Photo ICs combine a photodiode with signal processing electronics in an integrated circuit (IC) package. They simplify design, reduce space on the printed circuit board and lower production costs. They are used for ambient light detection, laser beam detection in printers, distance measurement, optical communications and as photinterrupters operating in strong ambient light.

An encoder can be made using a rotating plate with a semicircular slit in conjunction with an LED and the S11067-01CT. Light from the LED passes through the slit, illuminating the 720 fan-shaped elements of the circular photodiode array. The digital data is output serially to provide absolute angle information. The S11067-01CT has a high angular resolution of 0.25°.

The surface-mount device package measures 4.5 × 4.5 × 1.6 mm, creating a very small footprint. This, and the low cost of the sensor, makes it suitable for high-volume applications. Included in the S11067-01CT are fail-safe and sleep functions.